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Women's semi-pro team will play out of Augusta

Along with the two Georgia-Lina Hurricanes semi-professional basketball teams, a third semi-pro team will play out of Augusta this season.

The Atlanta Lady Tarheels will join the Lady Hurricanes in the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League, the team announced Tuesday. Both teams will use Paine College’s HEAL Complex as their home venue.

The two women’s teams began their seasons May 4. The Lady Hurricanes are 1-1 and the Lady Tarheels are 0-3.

The Lady Tarheels will play their first home game at Paine on Saturday at 4 p.m. against the Auburn Lady Flyers. The Lady Hurricanes’ first home game is June 1 at 4 p.m. against the Fayetteville Lady Rush.

“I’m very excited to use Paine’s complex,” said Bryan Beaver, chairman and founder of Elite Sports Group of Augusta, which owns the three teams. “It’s something nice for the fans and also the other teams to experience.”

Beaver also coaches the Lady Tarheels, assisted by Barry Robinson. The Lady Hurricanes are coached by Mike Bennett and Kristopher Stallings.

The WBCBL season runs from May through the end of July. The league nationals occur the first week of August in St. Louis.

Beaver said the Lady Tarheels experienced difficulties with the gym they expected to use in Atlanta, forcing a move to Augusta for this season.

That means three semi-pro teams will play in Augusta this year, including the men’s Hurricanes team, which is scheduled to play its first game at Paine on Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. against the Georgia Grizzlies. The men will play in the American Basketball Association.

“It’s always exciting to have sporting events in community,” Augusta Sports Council CEO Brinsley Thigpen said. “It’s fun to have semi-pro teams. It’s another event for residents to watch and participate, another option to check out and watch. It should be fun.”

Tickets at the gate for the women’s games are $6 for adults and $4 for students. Kids 5 and under are free.